West Marine hands out BlueFuture grants

West Marine named the 25 non-profit organizations that will receive $1,500 spring BlueFuture grants.

The company will present checks this summer to the winners, all community-based organizations that West Marine said are dedicated to getting young people on and around the water in recreational and educational capacities.

The company said it received a record number of applications in its spring 2017 grant cycle. The grants are unrestricted, which means West Marine allows grant recipients to determine how and when they use these funds.

“We think these special organizations are doing incredible work to improve access to the water, teach valuable job and life skills and encourage young people from all backgrounds to create and treasure their very own waterlife experiences.”

“We congratulate these 25 non-profit organizations, which are having such an important impact on young people’s lives,” Radcliff said. “We’re also deeply grateful to all the organizations who applied for spring 2017 BlueFuture grants. With a record number of applications, our judges’ task was extremely challenging. We extend our best wishes to all applicants for continued success and hope they will reapply in the fall.”

West Marine’s BlueFuture Fund distributes tens of thousands of dollars annually through spring and fall BlueFuture grants. To grow the fund, West Marine conducts three signature in-store fundraisers: National Safe Boating Week in May; World Oceans Day in June; and the Month of Giving in December.